National Veterans Memorial and Museum exhibits and Memorial Day events

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM), located in Downtown Columbus, honors all of our veterans from all branches and all eras. Guests experience a narrative journey of individual stories and experiences of veterans through photos, letters and personal effects, multi-media presentations, and interactive exhibits. 

The four foundational pillars aim to Honor, Connect, Inspire, and Educate. Guided Museum Tours are available daily at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Read below for upcoming exhibits, events, and museum discounts.

photo: National Veterans Museum and Memorial

Special exhibits at NVMM

The Twenty-Year War: Our Next Greatest Generation 
Mar 13 – Oct 3, 2022

Breathtaking. Personal. Raw. The Twenty-Year War exhibition shares the diverse experiences of Veterans who served during the Global War on Terror. The National Veteran Memorial and Museum is proud to present the highly anticipated exhibition, The Twenty-Year War, by artist Beau Simmons and authors and U.S. Army Ranger Veterans, Dan Blakeley and Tom Amenta.

Featuring portraits and powerful, personal stories from an unprecedented era in our country’s history, The Twenty-Year War will come to life through the voices of Veterans beyond their captivating portraits through video, podcasts and engaging activities throughout the run of the show. Details here.

Special events at National Veterans Memorial and Museum 

Photo courtesy: National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Community Blood Drive
Monday, May 16 from 10 am – 3 pm
Blood is in a critical shortage due to COVID-19. As a donor at this event, you will receive two free admission tickets to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, while supplies last. 

Memorial Day Virtual Run, Walk, Ruck and Roll 
May 13 – May 30 all-day

Join supporters across the nation for the 3rd annual National Veterans Memorial and Museum Virtual Run, Walk, Ruck and Roll to honor and remember those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“The Eyes of Freedom” Exhibition
May 18 – May 30

The Eyes of Freedom commemorate the 22 fallen Marines and one Navy corpsman of Ohio-based Lima Company L3/25. The exhibition is comprised of eight large panels with life-size portraits of the fallen service members with a pair of combat boots, most worn by the men represented, in front of each portrait. A candle is lit to memorialize each man’s fighting spirit.

USAA Poppy Exhibit
May 19 – June 12

Learn why the poppy flower is intertwined with Veterans when we debut the Poppy Exhibit on May 19. This interactive exhibit was created to memorialize our fallen military service members. By waving their hands in front of the screen, visitors can interact with digital poppies representing the more than 645,000 service members who have lost their lives in military service since World War I.

With each movement, the poppies will shift to reveal facts and quotes about the conflicts and those who have died. The USAA Poppy Exhibit honors our Veterans and encourages our communities to always remember those who died in defense of our freedoms.

Memorial Weekend at NVMM

Free admission from Saturday, May 28 – Monday, May 30. Donations accepted to pay it forward to honor Veterans, Gold Star Families and ensure future accessible programming for all.

Veterans Jiu Jistu Seminar
May 28 at 8 am

Learn the gentle art of Jiu Jitsu from two accomplished BJJ blackbelts: U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Joey Zente, founder of Veterans Jiu Jitsu in Austin, Texas, and U.S. Navy Veteran John Cofer, from Alliance Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Lakewood, Washington. Join us in honoring those who died in service to our country this Memorial Day weekend in this special class. Free; registration required.

Rooftop CrossFit Hero Workout
May 28 at 10 am

Clintonville CrossFit will lead us in the CrossFit Hero Workout, “Loredo,” which honors Staff Sergeant Edwardo Loredo, U.S. Army, who was killed in action while fighting in Afghanistan on June 24, 2010. Registration required.

The National Ride for Freedom
May 28 at 10 am

Rev up your engines for the National Ride for Freedom! The vibrations from this event are expected to be felt all over town as hundreds of motorcycles converge at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. All motorcyclists are welcome to take part in this commemorative ride. Live music, food and beverages will be available starting at 11:30 a.m.

Ride starting point: Farrow North Harley-Davidson, 7754 E, OH-37, Sunbury. Registration is $20.

Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil 
May 29 at 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Memorial Day is about honoring our service members who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. We’re holding a Gold Star Family Candlelight Vigil on Sunday, May 29 to honor families who have lost a loved one in service to our country. The vigil procession will begin on the museum rooftop and travel down to the Soldiers Cross in Memorial Grove. Details here.

Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony 
May 30 at 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Mark Memorial Day with our annual Remembrance Ceremony starting at 10 a.m. (ET) on the National Veterans Memorial and Museum rooftop. Following this ceremony, continue to remember our beloved servicemen and women on social media, using #IWillAlwaysRemember #NVMM and #MemorialDay2022

Constitution Day: Friday, September 18, 2022

Have you ever memorized the preamble to the U.S. Constitution? Your knowledge will pay off if you visit us on Constitution Day! Secure a $10 ticket by reciting the preamble to the U.S. Constitution at our Welcome Desk. Constitution Day also includes educational activities for the whole family and a free gift!

Admission for National Veterans Memorial and Museum 

Free admission for U.S. military Veterans, active-duty military, and Gold Star families.

Adults (18-64) = $17
Senior (65+) = $15
College student with ID = $12
Youth (5-17)=$10
Children under 5 = Free

The Memorial Grove, a place of respectful reflection, is free and open from dawn to dusk

Membership starts at just $35/yr for one person

Parking is $5-$10, but free for Veteran, Active-Duty, Gold Star Families.

Free admission with Pickerington Experience Pass

Get free admission with the Pickerington Experience Pass, available for in-person checkout at all branches of the Pickerington Public Library.

Pickerington Experience Passes allow general admission for up to 2 adults and 5 children and be redeemed one time within two days of checkout. Even parking is free! Bring your parking ticket inside to the Welcome Desk for validation! Holds may be placed using a Pickerington Public Library card ONLY. 

Columbus Member Advantage Program

If you’re a member of select Central Ohio attractions, you can save $3 on general admission to NVMM and other attractions through the Columbus Member Advantage program.

No coupon is necessary. Simply show your valid participating membership card when you visit! Limited to 4 discounts per membership per day; can’t be combined with other discounts.  

Member Advantage partners for 2022 include:

• Columbus Museum of Art and Pizzuti Collection (see our article)
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (see our article)
• Dawes Arboretum (see our article)
• Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (see our article)
• LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Columbus (see our article)
• National Veterans Memorial and Museum (see our article)
• Ohio History Center & Ohio Village (see our article)
• Wexner Center for the Arts (see our article)
• COSI (advanced tickets required)
• The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology (also qualifies for ASTC reciprocal admission) 

Museum Hours

Currently open Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except special events or holidays.

Special Holiday Hours: OPEN

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents Day ($1 admission)
• Memorial Day (free admission)
• July 4
• Veterans Day

Holidays CLOSED

• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Day
• Easter Sunday
• Labor Day

National Veterans Memorial and Museum 
300 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 
(614) 362-2800 
website | Facebook

Past events at NVMM; tba for 2022

Young at Heart Weekend: TBA August 2022. Join us for “Young at Heart” weekend! We’re inviting everyone aged 65+ to be our weekend guest for just $2!

9/11 Commemoration: September 11, 2021. Join us at the Museum to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of September 11, 2001, during the City of Columbus Remembrance Ceremony.

World Tourism Weekend: Saturday & Sunday, September 25 & 26, 2021

Join us as we celebrate World Tourism Weekend and receive $5 admission to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum!

Hispanic Heritage Month

NVMM is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by offering guided tours by Spanish-speaking tour guides. Spanish tours are available every Wednesday and Saturday through October 15.

Pets for Vets

October 20-22, 2021 from 11 am – 3 pm daily
From service animals to household companions, animals are shown to reduce stress and positively impact overall health in humans. Guests with service animals are welcome in the Museum during Pets for Vets Week. You and your service animal will receive a free goodie bag upon arrival.

This free community event is open to the public and includes adoption opportunities from local shelters and animal welfare organizations. Well-behaved service animals trained to assist visitors with disabilities are always welcome during Museum visits.

If you wish to explore the museum, they are offering a discounted $10 ticket for those who attend the Pets for Vets events. See more details and information about bringing your pet on the website.

National First Responders Day

Thursday, October 28, 2021
All active and retired first responders get free admission on National First Responders Day. A valid ID must be presented at the door.

photo courtesy of National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Veterans Day Ceremony and Free Admission

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Free admission on Veterans Day for everyone, all day long from 10 am – 5 pm. Sponsored by USAA. 

Ceremony at 11 am. Featuring remarks from former Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, General Les L. Lyles, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), our CEO Lt. General Michael Ferriter, United States Army (Ret.), Franklin County Commissioner, Erica Crawley United States Navy (Ret.) and President of USAA, Wayne Peacock.

These distinguished Veterans and guests will share messages promoting unity in support of our Veteran community and promoting selfless service in our communities on Veterans Day and every day. Details.

The museum always offers free admission for U.S. military Veterans, active-duty military, and Gold Star families.

Library Card Wednesdays

Through December 8
Show your Columbus Metropolitan or other area library card, at the Museum front desk on Wednesdays and receive free admission for up to two people that day. This offer extends through December 8, 2021. Don’t forget to check out the Veterans Day book selections and displays at the library!

photo courtesy of National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – $1 Tickets: Monday, January 17 at 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. The museum welcomes guests on MLK Day for $1 admission, and to be inspired by the courage of those who served their nation.

Patriot Challenge Workout

Sunday, January 30 at 10 am.
Starting at 10 a.m., registrants can participate for FREE in the Patriot Challenge National Kickoff Workout being held in person at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Select “Yes” for the National Kickoff during registration to secure your spot!

Official Patriot Challenge Workout consists of three rounds of the following: 500-meter row, 50 calories on Echo bike, 15 kettlebell swings with a kettlebell of choice
500+50+15 = *565

Significance of 565: In 2012, Army Ranger Cory Smith set off on a 565-mile trek from Fort Benning, Georgia, to Indianapolis, Indiana, to raise awareness of the challenges facing our transitioning service members. Along the way, supporters encouraged Cory with shouts of “Run Ranger Run.” Ten years later, more than 10,000 Patriots have logged 565 miles (or units of activity) as part of GallantFew’s Run Ranger Run event – now dubbed the Patriot Challenge.

Register to participate in the workout for $45-$50. Details here.

Rally Point: A Conversation with Black Vetrepreneurs

Saturday, February 5 at 10 am
Join in this virtual Black History Month program to celebrate the determination, perseverance, talent and skill of Black Veterpreneurs. According to the Small Business Administration, black-owned businesses in the U.S. today account for more than $150 billion in revenue and employ close to 1 million people.

Catch a conversation with local black business owners and veterans about how military service impacted their drive to build their business. Special guests include:

• James Howell, U.S. Army Veteran, BK Smokehouse
• Jeff Price, U.S. Army Veteran, PLAN Logistics Solutions
• Sizzle, U.S. Army Veteran, Crafted Culture Brewery

The live program will be on YouTube and Facebook, and will be available for viewing afterwards. Details and links on website.

President’s Day, Monday, February 21

Enjoy $1 admission to visit the museum on President’s Day from 10 am – 5 pm

Sensory Saturday: Saturday, April 2, 2022

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum invites you to visit the museum for Sensory Saturday. This sensory friendly museum experience offers enhanced sensory activities all day long including: reduced volume throughout the exhibit area, touch tours, hands-on educational activities, and more.

Sensory Bags available at the welcome desk upon request. The museum is a KultureCity certified inclusive institution.

Military Brats Day: Saturday, April 30, 2022

Calling all Military Brats! Identify yourself as a “Military Brat” at the Welcome Desk and receive free admission to the museum.